Possible Health Benefits of Color Therapy

It is generally not disputed that light affects us. Even conventional medical practice uses light to treat certain diseases. Phototherapy is used to direct ultraviolet light to the affected area in the treatment of psoriasis and acne. Blue light is used to treat hyperbilirubinemia, a liver condition in premature babies. Light is used to treat Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

The Relationship Between Light and Melatonin

Sleep experts have known about the relationship between melatonin and light exposure for a long time. In fact, both melatonin and light are said to control the synchronization of the biological clock.

Melatonin, the chemical that is known to be important to sleep, can be controlled by light. In fact, light exposure suppresses melatonin production. This is why it's hard to sleep in a room that isn't dark.

If you are sleepy during the day, sleep experts suggest going outside and exposing yourself to large doses of sunlight during the middle of the day instead of taking a nap. This will suppress melatonin production and give you a "wakeup."

Did you know that RED could help with sleep?

A small clinical study showed that wearing red or magenta glasses after sundown increased secretion of melatonin by 70%.

If you are going to a movie or watching television after 9:00 P.M., try wearing magenta colored glasses to block out the green light.

Alternative Medicine

Alternative medicine also uses light in the practice of color therapy. With color therapy, there are different associations, attributes and possible benefits to each color. See TherapyColor.com for more information on this. But it is also thought that there may be medical benefits. This is how color therapy is believed to work:

A color will vibrate at a specific frequency. It is said that organs and glands of our bodies also vibrate at specific frequencies and that colors correspond to the areas of our body which have the same frequency. When we are sick, our organs and glands may become out of balance and not function at their proper frequencies. Restoring the proper frequency is thought to restore health.

Holistic Health

For those interested in holistic health, a convenient and efficient way to apply this color therapy is to wear color therapy glasses. It is believed that the color entering the eyes is directed to the hypothalamus gland, from there to the pineal gland and then to the pituitary gland, which regulates and governs hormone production. As the brain processes this information, it is believed that it causes cellular and hormonal changes. The key is that the frequency of the color may be transmitted to the area of the body which recognizes it. The frequency, or vibration, of the color is constant. The vibration can "tune" that area of the body. In other words, that area may now be restored to its proper vibration and be restored to health while the color is being used. If used regularly, the body may learn to function properly on its own, much as it will with physical therapy.

Another way to use color therapy is with a device such as the Chromalive® Color Therapy Penlight Set. With this type of device, color can be directed externally to a specific problem area of the body, for example, burns. Other methods of applying color therapy are wearing certain colored clothes, taking a color bath, using color therapy oils, using a colored lamp in a room or painting walls a specific color.

Following is information on how each color is used in color therapy, however more research is needed. If you choose to use color therapy to compliment medical treatment, please advise you doctor you are doing so. Also note that different states have different regulations regarding alternative medical practitioners. Please choose one that is licensed by a national organization which requires members to abide by the organization's standards.

RED has the longest length in the visible spectrum and the lowest rate of vibration. Possible benefits:

INDIGO may depress the thyroid while stimulating the parathyroid at the same time. Possible benefits:

Ear, eye, sinus, throat and nasal problems

An alternative antibiotic which may be more powerful than prescription antibiotics with no side effects

An analgesic. Reduce swelling relieving the associated pain

Stops hemorrhages and nose bleeds

A strong sedative resulting in a deep sleep. Upon awakening, you will feel rested, refreshed and alert

Acts as an astringent, tightening, toning and firming the skin

VIOLET possible benefits.

Stimulate hormonal activity. Use it on the throat to stimulate the thyroid

Overall immune enhancer

Depress any over active part of the body, except the spleen and parathyroid

For over excitable people, may relax and calm the nerves

Cardiac depressant, relaxing the muscles and nerves controlling the heart

Stimulate the spleen, helping it build white corpuscles. The spleen is the final checkpoint for the blood before it returns to the heart. It cleanses the blood of poison or any undesirable cells. Violet may act as an antibiotic, helping to destroy harmful organisms

Relieve dysentery and diarrhea

Depress the appetite

Deep, restful sleep

MAGENTA possible benefits:

Stimulate or depress arteries or veins to bring them to normal

Stimulate and build the heart

Bring blood pressure within normal range, whether up or down

Stimulate or depress adrenal glands and kidneys to bring them to normal